Buyers Guide

EXPLORE THE PATH TO HOMEOWNERSHIP NOW

“At Countywide, our philosophy is simple, yet it is the key to our success: The right broker makes all the difference. Each of our agents understands why selling or buying a home is a life-changing experience. We understand the nuance of our discriminating clientele—because we, too, have the highest standards. Therefore, it is not surprising that over 90% of Countywide’s business comes from referrals. We take great pride in the fact that clients return to us again and again throughout their lives—and so do their children and even grandchildren.”

The real estate market is constantly changing. In this environment, it is critical for sellers and buyers to have the most comprehensive and accurate analyses of the residential marketplace and its various facets. It is equally important for them to understand it at a glance. Purchasing a home is an investment in the future. Market knowledge and a depth of market experience are vital when making such an important decision. Ongoing and personalized service and follow-through are equally crucial. This translates into efficient use of your time and effective management of your assets.

Metro Atlanta offers a wealth of options for residential buyers. From classic historic district homes to modern glass tower condos in Midtown, and from posh Downtown lofts to beautiful sprawling mansions in and outside the city, the choices seem almost limitless.

Therefore, you must work with an experienced and knowledgeable agent who can offer a wealth of information along with strong negotiating, and problem-solving skills. In a city with over 300 residential real estate firms, choosing the right broker makes all the difference.

We remain involved at every stage of the purchase: initial home search, negotiation, going to contract, board approval (if purchasing a co-op), and closing. Our goal is to make the buying process as seamless as possible, exceeding our clients’ expectations every step of the way. It is one of the reasons that the majority of our business comes from referrals. Our comprehensive and success-oriented approach ensures that clients return to us again and again throughout their lifetimes.

CONTACT US NOW TO GET ON THE PATH TO HOMEOWNERSHIP.

COMMON FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER MISSTEPS

  1. They don’t ask their lender enough questions and end up missing out on the best deal.
  2. They don’t make a decision quickly enough and someone else buys the house.
  3. They don’t find the right agent willing to help them through the homebuying process.
  4. They don’t do enough to make their offer look appealing to a seller.
  5. They don’t think about resale before they buy. The average first-time buyer only stays in a home for 4-6 years.

LENDERS MORTGAGE CHECKLIST

W-2 forms or business tax return forms if you’re self-employed — for the last two or three years for every person signing the loan.
Copies of at least one pay stub for each person signing the loan.

Account numbers of all your credit cards and the amounts for any outstanding balances.

Copies of two months of bank/credit union statements for both checking and savings accounts.

Lender, loan number, and amount owed on other installment loans, such as student loans and auto loans.

Addresses where you’ve lived for the last three years, with names of landlords if needed.

Copies of brokerage account statements for two to four months, as well as a list of any other major assets of value, such as a boat, RV, or stocks or bonds not held in a brokerage account.

Copies of your most recent 401(k) or other retirement account statement.

Documentation to verify additional income, such as child support or a pension.

Copies of personal tax forms for the last two to three years.

Click HERE to contact one of our Preferred lenders to get the ball rolling.

RELOCATIONS

Relocating to a new state, or even just a new neighborhood, is exciting, but can be stressful. Moving the family, getting the children in school, finding good doctors and a local gym are just a few of the time-consuming activities everyone must deal with when relocating.

We are experienced in working with many of the major Corporate Relocation companies, and have pre-established working relationships in place with several of them even though we are not necessarily part of their family of franchises. They recognize our skills, trust our business acumen, and know that we’ll get the job done making it easier for them, and especially for you!

Our experienced team is well-versed in the nuances and intricacies of relocating from one location to another, and if you are interested in contacting a qualified real estate agent in another market, we can help bridge the gap and get you aligned with an experienced, caring professional who meets our stringent quality-control standards.

The entire team at Countywide Real Estate looks forward to offering you the benefit of our many years of experience and expertise in assisting other clients with their relocation to and from the Atlanta metro area. Please complete the form below and we’ll get your home search started, plus send you a package of information about the Atlanta area. And if you are considering a corporate relocation opportunity outside of the Atlanta area, we’d love to have you consider us for listing your home and helping you achieve your real estate objectives.

MILITARY BUYERS

Veterans, active-duty military members, and their spouses have access to a host of home-buying benefits and protections, from what’s arguably the most powerful home loan on the market. VA loans feature many benefits that help make home buying a home more accessible to those who most deserve the American dream they helped build and protect. Loan highlights include a NO down-payment requirement, NO mortgage insurance, LOWER average interest rates, LIMITS on closing costs fees that lenders can charge and often MORE LENIENT credit requirements.

Servicemen and women begin every assignment with the knowledge that they could be relocated at any point, and will likely be moved within five years. Often, military members are making the decision to rent or buy from a distance, prior to moving into the area. No matter where you are relocating from, it is essential to thoroughly research local housing market conditions. Take into consideration average home prices, pricing trends, average days on market (especially if you are hoping to sell when you PCS), local schools and trending neighborhoods. Your best bet is to find military-friendly realtors such as the Countywide Real Estate team. that is familiar with the local market and can help you navigate the special needs/circumstances of inbound or local military and their families.